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Ride for the Pass

Date(s)

Sat, 2013-05-18 (All day)

The Ride for the Pass is a charity bike race/recreational ride benefiting the Independence Pass Foundation's work on the Pass. Held in May the Saturday before the road opens to automobiles, the Ride attracts hundreds of competitive and recreational riders every year. The Ride follows the traditional route from the Winter Gate, four miles east of Aspen, to the Independence Ghost Town approximately 10 miles east up Highway 82 on Independence Pass. The Ride gains approximately 2,500 feet of elevation, from 8,550’ to 11,100’, over the 9.5-mile route.
Highway 82 is a seasonal road that opens for the summer travel season on the Friday before Memorial Day. The events gives riders the opportunity to ride this stunningly scenic route while it is free of motorized vehicles. There are aid stations and turnaround sites at various points along the route in case of accidents, illness or breakdown. The Ride is followed by a party at the Sky Hotel in Aspen featuring free beer and many drawing prizes donated by Roaring Fork Valley businesses.

Winning race times are usually around 40 minutes with most riders in both competitive and recreational categories finishing in less than two hours. Families and recreational riders are encouraged to participate. In recent years, the Ride has attracted around 500 riders and start-line registration has been crowded, so riders are encouraged to pre-register prior to the Ride.